Cannabis for Christmas: Strains to Celebrate the Season
As the mainstream acceptance of cannabis use rumbles ever forward across the globe, the time when families and friends can gather around the Christmas tree vaporizing top-shelf cannabis may not be as far off as it once seemed. Those who choose to honor their health and turn away from the mulled wines and spiked egg nog this year should not have to hide their enjoyment of our favorite flower.
That signature scent of most flowers and plants, including the pine tree propped in the living room, originates from terpenes. As master horticulturalist Ed Rosenthal explains in his Big Book of Buds series, terpenes are also the components of cannabis responsible for the different effects and odors of the many varieties of marijuana.
“Pinene is the familiar odor associated with pine trees and their resin,” Rosenthal writes in the Big Book of Buds, volume 4. “Pinene probably gives true skunk varieties, the ones that stink like an animal, much of their odor… The smoke seems to expand in your lungs and the high comes on very quickly since a high percentage of the substance will pass to the bloodstream and brain.”
Pinene, which is most dominantly found in cannabis as the compound alpha-pinene, is the terpene that has established a solid reputation for tasting and smelling like a pine tree. The following three strains are sure to bring on this unique flavor so often associated with the holiday season.
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Tropical Runtz:
Tropical Runtz is one of the more modern strains earning attention for its pinene presence. While best known for its fruity-sweet profile, it consistently appears in recent terpene spotlights for having a notable amount of alpha-Pinene, creating a bright and uplifting experience.
Aroma & Flavor: Tropical fruit, sweet citrus, light pine
Effects: Uplifting, energetic, mentally clearthis strain is all it takes to be able to confidently identify it in the future as well as recognize strains with which it has been bred.”
Durban Poison:
Durban Poison is a pure sativa landrace, and one of the cleanest representations of a naturally pinene-rich cultivar. Its fragrant pine aroma is unmistakable, and its uplifting effects make it a favorite among those seeking energy and focus.
Aroma & Flavor: Earthy, herbal, pine-forward with sweet undertones
Effects: Energizing, clear-headed, stimulating
Blue Dream:
Blue Dream remains one of the most popular hybrid strains in the country, and it also quietly ranks as a pinene-forward option in many terpene breakdowns. While known for its berry sweetness, Blue Dream typically carries a subtle pine freshness thanks to its underlying pinene content.
Aroma & Flavor: Sweet berries blended with light pine notes
Effects: Balanced uplift, gentle body relaxation, smooth and functional